Anti Doping

Triathlon Ireland promotes cleansport through equality and fairness for all athletes at every level of competition in our sport.

Triathlon Ireland fully subscribes to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) procedures. According to these, under the strict liability rule, athletes are responsible for any substance that may be found in their bodies.

It does not matter how the substance got there. If an athlete tests positive the result could be a disqualification and possible sanction or suspension.

WHO CAN BE TESTED?

In principle any athlete competing in a triathlon can be tested so each athlete regardless of the level at which they are competing needs to be aware of these guidelines.

Anti-Doping Education

The importance of keeping the correct message of Doping Free Sport prominent in all of our sports.

You may not realise it but the medication you take regularly to treat a medical condition (Asthma, Diabetes, Hay-fever, Hypertension, etc) could contain a substance which is on the banned list. The easiest way to check your medication is to look it up on the Eirpharm website www.eirpharm.com (medications purchased in the Republic of Ireland) or www.globaldro.com(medications purchased in Northern Ireland).

WHAT IS INADVERTENT DOPING?

Inadvertent doping occurs when an athlete takes a medication to treat an injury or illness without realising that it contains a prohibited substance. It can also happen when an athlete takes a supplement that may contain impurities such as ingredients that are not listed on the label which could cause a positive test.

Athletes are responsible for checking the status of all substances and medications they consume - ignorance is no excuse. Ultimately athletes are responsible for what they ingest.

Athletes seeking permission to use a medication containing a substance on the WADA Prohibited List must seek a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) to do so. Depending on what level you are competing at, you may have to apply upfront (get a Pre-test TUE) or you may be permitted to apply retroactively (get a Post-test TUE). Either way, you need to ensure that your medical practitioner has a full medical file in place (see below for further details).

Pre-test TUE: Athletes competing in International competitions and athletes on the International Triathlon Union’s Registered Testing Pool or the Irish Sports Council’s Registered Testing Pool must apply for a TUE prior to using a medication containing a prohibited substance. A TUE form (and supporting medical file) must be submitted to the Irish Sports Council or the International Triathlon Union at least 30 days prior to competing while using a prohibited medication.

Post-test TUE: If you are only competing in domestic triathlons you may take a medication containing a banned substance without applying for a TUE upfront. If you are drug tested and the lab reports a positive result, the Irish Sports Council will contact you and ask you to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption. You will need to supply a complete medical file documenting your medical history, diagnosis and medical justification for using a prohibited medication as opposed to a permitted alternative.

No matter what standard of athlete, it is imperative that you find out if you are allowed to take your medication while competing in triathlon.

TESTING AND DECLARING MEDICATIONS:

It is very important that you declare ALL MEDICATIONS taken within the last 14 days if you are drug tested. The Doping Control Officer will ask you to list all medications, supplements, etc. you have taken within the last two weeks on the Doping Control Form.

EDUCATION - REAL WINNER

A dedicated education certification website has been developed by WADA and is available at Sport Ireland Real Winner this includes 2015 New WADA code material as updated by Sport Ireland Feb 2016.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

The Irish Sports Council is this body responsible for the administration of anti-doping testing, education and administration. There is more information on their website or you can contact them directly on 01 8608800. A copy of the Irish Anti-Doping Rules can be found on the Irish Sports Council’s website.

RACE ORGANISERS TESTING INFORMATION

Drug Testing/Anti Doping Protocols:

TI subscribes to World Anti Doping Agency protocols and will comply with all requirements in respect of Drug Testing. From 2014 there is NO ADVANCE NOTICE from sportireland or TI may that a Testing Unit will attend the event.

Higher level races (ie SS/NS/NC) will be required to have facilities and necessary equipment available in the case that testing occurs at their event.

Information about how to be prepared at your event is in the sportireland Event Contact Person manual. The Doping Control Officer on the day will liaise with the club nominated Event Contact Person regarding athletes selected for testing, aroom with bottled drinking water and toilet facilities etc.